WASHINGTON, D.C.— April 7, 2026 —  The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) extends its sincere appreciation to Vice Chair Jean C. Hovland for her years of dedicated service to Indian Country and her leadership at the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Hovland, a proud citizen of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, announced her departure from the Commission this week after more than two decades in federal service, including five years helping lead the agency’s regulatory oversight of tribal gaming operations nationwide.

On behalf of the Indian Gaming Association and its member tribes, Chairman David Z. Bean issued the following statement:

“Vice Chair Hovland has been a steady and thoughtful leader during an important time for tribal government gaming. Her commitment to strong, fair regulation under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act has helped protect the integrity of our industry and reinforce the sovereignty of tribal nations.

She carries with her the strength and values of her people, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, and that foundation has been evident in how she approached her work, always grounded in respect for tribal communities and their future.

Regulation is not just a requirement in Indian gaming; it is a cornerstone of our success. It is what ensures trust, accountability, and the continued strength of an industry that supports tribal governments, creates jobs, and provides essential services to our people. Vice Chair Hovland understood that responsibility and carried it with professionalism and respect for tribal sovereignty.

We are grateful for her partnership, her advocacy for Indian Country, and her efforts to support the next generation of tribal gaming leaders. Her service has made a lasting impact, and she will be missed.

On behalf of Indian Country, we thank her for her dedication and wish her and her family all the best as she returns home to South Dakota.”

During her tenure, Hovland worked alongside tribal leaders and regulators to uphold the integrity of the nearly $44 billion tribal gaming industry while advancing initiatives that strengthened communities and addressed emerging challenges facing Indian Country.

The Indian Gaming Association looks forward to continuing its work with the National Indian Gaming Commission and federal partners to protect tribal sovereignty and ensure the long-term success of tribal government gaming.